Click on a category to the left to filter the list of FAQs below.

PLEASE NOTE: While we want to make sure you are as informed as possible, the Elections department staff cannot provide advice or help you fill out your paperwork. If you need help, you can consult your county political party office, or seek advice from an attorney or an accountant.

How do I run as a write-in candidate?

Write-in candidates are not required to gather signatures to qualify for the ballot. However, Write-in candidates are still required to form a committee (if applicable), file a nomination paper and a Financial Disclosure Statement (if applicable). Only candidates who file before the deadline will be considered “official write-in candidates.” Only official write-in candidates will have their names posted in the Vote Centers and have any votes cast for them counted. A list of write-in candidates is not sent with the early or vote by mail ballots and it is up to the candidates to advertise their candidacy.

Write-In Candidate Filing Deadlines

County office – 40 days prior to the election.

Special District board or Precinct Committeemen – 76 days prior to the election.

How do I run as an "independent" candidate?

“Independent” describes any candidate that is not registered to vote with one of the major (recognized) political parties. For a list of parties that are recognized in Yavapai County, please see the County Candidate Signature Requirements sheet for County candidates.

Independent candidates do not run in the Primary Election, but will instead appear on the General Election ballot. However, the filing deadline for Nomination Papers and Petitions is the same as the candidates who are running in the Primary. The procedures for running as an independent candidate are the same as those for candidates registered with a political party, except that independent candidates file slightly different petitions and nomination paperwork. Download a County Candidate Packet and after filling out the form, choose the link for “Non-Recognized Party Candidates (All other parties).”

I’ve decided to run for office, what do I need to know?

First, find out who your filing office is and where they are located. Not all candidates file at the County Elections office. It depends on which elected position you’re interested in. See also: Where do I get my candidate paperwork and where do I file? (below)

Pull a candidate packet. The packet contains all the forms and information you need to run for office. See also: Where do I get my candidate paperwork and where do I file? (below)

Register your committee (if applicable) by filing a Statement of Organization. You can form a committee at any time. For more information see A.R.S. §16-905.
If you spend or collect, in aggregate, more than $1,000, you must file a Statement of Organization. You are then required to file quarterly and pre-election Campaign Finance Reports through the election, and once more when the committee terminates. See also: Campaign Contributions and Campaign Finance Report Dates.

Circulate your petitions and gather signatures. See also: Petitions.

File your paperwork with the appropriate filing office. See also: Where do I get my candidate paperwork and where do I file? (below)

If I am an independent, can I be a Precinct Committeeman?

No. You must be registered to vote with one of the political parties recognized in the State to be a Precinct Committeeman for that party. For a list of the current recognized parties, please see signature requirements sheet in the Precinct Committeemen Candidate Packet.

Where do I get my candidate paperwork and where do I file?

Filing Offices:

County office – receive and file paperwork with the County Elections Office in Prescott. County candidate packets are available beginning in June of the year preceding the election year. The County Candidate Packet is available online. Just fill out a simple form and download the packet. The packet can be saved on your computer, or you can sign in to the website anytime to get the forms you need.

Special District boards – receive and file paperwork with the County Elections Office in Prescott. Special District candidate packets are available around 150 days prior to the district’s election. The Special District Candidate Packet is available online. The packet can be saved on your computer, or you can go to the website anytime to get the forms you need.

Precinct Committeemen – receive and file paperwork with your County political party. Precinct Committeemen packets are available in mid-March of the election year. Precinct Committeemen packets are given to the County political party offices to distribute to interested candidates. The Precinct Committeemen Packet is available online. The packet can be saved on your computer, or you can go to the website any time to get the forms you need.